Thanks to Volunteers

This year’s water system startup began under cold skies and spitting snow—a classic spring welcome in Virginia Lakes.

Despite the weather, dedicated volunteers turned out once again to ensure our water system was safely brought online.

Startup is a multi-step process that includes meticulous flushing, full-system cleaning (including climbing inside of the tanks and scrubbing!),

and disinfection.

Teams stay in radio contact while opening and closing valves to make sure the system is thoroughly cleared. Draining and flushing the lines takes time and patience,

and the process isn’t complete until the system is tested—not once, but twice—for safety.

These tests are hand-delivered to Mammoth for Mono County certification. It’s a well-documented routine, made smoother by experienced volunteers who know the system by heart.

In addition to startup, last season saw a separate community effort to reroof the Cabin, the original pump house.

Donated materials

and the hard work of community members—

alongside an international crew of visiting volunteers—helped preserve

this historical piece of our infrastructure.

Volunteers are vital to the Virginia Lakes Mutual Water Corporation’s mission of delivering clean, reliable drinking water.

Thank you to everyone who contributes their time and energy year after year.